Dialogue Blog

One of the most important and most controversial science stories of 2018 was the news that a scientist in China, He Jiankui, reported that he had created the world’s first human babies with CRISPR edited genes: a pair of twin girls resistant to HIV. What is CRISPR? How is gene editing done? And what does it mean for us, now and in the future?

Dr. Barbara Bailus of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging will join us on March 13 to discuss how scientists can apply the latest genetic engineering technology to help treat neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. The use of CRISPR as a gene engineering technology that allows scientists to control gene expression and sequence will be detailed, along with potential ways that this technology can be used therapeutically.

The discussion also will focus on how genetic engineering could potentially treat Angelman Syndrome, a rare form of autism, and Huntington’s disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. The considerations that researchers evaluate as a potential treatment moves from the laboratory benchtop toward the patient’s bedside also will be described.

Dr. Barbara Bailus is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Ellerby Lab focused on the study of neurodegenerative diseases. Barbara is from Marin County, and received her PhD from the University of California, Davis. She will also speak about how her work aligns with the ongoing research at the Buck Institute and the impact the Buck has on our community and our world.

There’s no shortage of news about immigration issues on the U.S.-Mexico border, but what’s going on in our own community? How have things changed under the current U.S. administration and how is the Canal Alliance responding? What are the facts on the ground in Marin County?

Lucia Martel-Dow will share her line of sight into local immigration issues at our February meeting. As Director of Immigration and Social Services at Canal Alliance, she works to protect the rights of immigrants in our community. Under her guidance, the Immigration Legal Services team provides outreach, education, legal screenings, consultation and representation to thousands of individuals each year.

Born and raised in Venezuela, Martel-Dow was a member of the Venezuelan Foreign Service before moving to Madrid, Spain, where she worked on human rights and immigration policy issues for an international organization serving Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. She moved to San Francisco in 2007, garnering her Master’s of Laws from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and a Master’s in International Law and International Relations from the Universidad Complutense, Madrid. She joined the Canal Alliance in 2015, leading the organization’s effort to help residents navigate the immigration system.

The California State Legislature recognized Martel-Dow for her community service with the 2018 North Bay’s Woman of the Year award.

For the PowerPoint presentation, click here or go to Past Programs 2019 in Library.

“America is known as a country that welcomes people to its shores. All kinds of people. The image of the Statue of Liberty with Emma Lazarus’ famous poem. She lifts her lamp and welcomes people to the golden shore, where they will not experience prejudice because of the color of their skin, the religious faith that they follow.” – Ruth BaderGinsburg

“You see, our glorious diversity—our diversity of faiths, and colors and creeds―that is not a threat to who we are, it makes us who we are.” – MichelleObama

Each January, Wednesday Morning Dialogue’s wise and wonderful members have an opportunity to hear from and speak with each other. Recommendations by members to members about favorite books, movies, restaurants, place to go, vacations, lectures​ and more.

For list of recommendations, click here or go to Past Programs 2019 under Library.